I know a man who lived a double life for more than twenty years. He married his college sweetheart, became a successful businessman, and had three beautiful children. But he also had two children with his mistress—and for more than twenty years, his secret family lived three miles from the home he shared with his wife. Not surprisingly, when he was eventually found out, he said he was relieved the truth came out because he was tired of living in a web of lies and deceit.
Anyone who says, “Time heals all wounds” hasn’t lived for decades with a guilty conscience. All of us have things in our past we regret. Not all of us have lived a double life for two decades, but if we’re honest, we all have things we’d do differently if given another chance. The good news is as followers of Christ, we don’t have to live with guilt from our past— but we do need to confess our sins. And it’s wise to do it sooner than later.
The book of Proverbs says, “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy” (Prov. 28:13 CSB). As believers, failing to confess our sins produces guilt and anxiety. Even worse, living with unconfessed sin impacts our relationship with God. When we engage in sinful behavior without coming clean with God, guilt, and fear of being found out follow us wherever we go. It’s a miserable way to live.
On the other hand, when we are quick to confess our sins and be forgiven by God, the Bible teaches we can live with the boldness of a lion (Prov. 28:1). The apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The righteous won’t ignore sin in their lives, but rather, will confess it and receive God’s forgiveness and restoration. As a result, they can live in complete confidence before God and others. On this side of heaven, we all struggle with sin. There’s value in a clear conscience, so we need to learn to confess our sins quickly and often.
